But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law!
GALATIONS 5:22-23
HUMILITY IS NOT A SHORTCOMING
Contrary to popular belief, the obedient do not take everything "lying down." Notice Moses, who was the most unpretentious man of his time. He did not balk at ordering the execution of about three thousand of the idolatrous followers who worshiped the "Golden Calf" while he was with God
on the mountain.
(See EXODUS 32:25-28)
Against evil, this timid man was as stern as steel. How an unassuming man reacts depends upon what he discerns God's will is for him within the circumstance. Because the submissive man sets his mind on God's purpose and not his comfort, desires, or reputation, he will offer implacable opposition to sin in the deterrence of God reacting with patience, kindness, and gentleness when others attack him.
RIGHTEOUS ANGER
Jesus set a clear precedent of this reaction pattern with a whip of rope and with stern vehement energy, overturned the tables and drove the livestock, their sellers, and money-changers from the Temple compound because they had transformed God's house into an everyday bazaar by their heresy.
With simple, forthright, firm, instructive answers and intelligent questions, He met the perverted, scholarly, carnal logic of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Yet as MATTHEW 12:19-20 reads, "He will not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory."
Peter added: For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him
that judges righteously.
1 PETER 2:21-23
MEEKNESS AND FORGIVENESS
A passive person will feel wrong done against him and feel it fiercely. But because he is not thinking of himself, his obedience does not allow his spirit to vent to a vicious, spiteful, and vindictive anger that seeks to "get even." He will instead be full of pity for the damaged character, attitudes, and blindness of the perpetrator.
On the cross, Jesus uttered, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." LUKE 23:34 His integrity and love; is a strong bulwark against self-righteousness and biased fault-finding of others. Yet neither does it excuse or condone sin. Instead, a meek person understands it more clearly; thus, his conclusion is tempered, avoiding reacting more harshly than is necessary.
THOSE IN AUTHORITY
Paul writes in TITUS 3:1-2, "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." The possibility of conflict is inherent where the subject includes our relationship with governments; it is easy to conflict with those in authority over us.
Some are in positions of power and take pleasure in executing their influence. As Jesus notes in MATTHEW 20:25: But Jesus called them unto him, and said, "Ye, know that princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them."
PEACE IS POSSIBLE
On the opposite side are those under authority, and this is where Paul's primary priority is in Titus 3. Society, by description, tends to be very susceptible, fault-finding, and ruthless in its evaluations of those over them. Time and again, this results in slanderous attacks and quarrels against those in authority--sometimes even in insurgencies.
Paul advises us to be non-belligerent, compassionate, unassertive, and meek. If the fruit of humility produces either or both parties, peace; unity is possible because an effective means are in place to allow both to implement their responsibilities within the relationship.
A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN
May we begin with a desire; a desire for the
Fruit of the Holy Spirit!
BELOW:
SONG: It's My Desire to Live for Jesus
(I do not know who sings this song, nonetheless I believe it states exactly "My Desire to Live for JESUS!" Just sit back
and let the Holy Spirit Minister to you as you listen!"
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